Aurora officials will continue to enforce the alcohol ban at Aurora Reservoir and operate on new, earlier-closing hours after the temporary change of rules has helped make recreating more enjoyable, according to Parks and Recreation officials.

Earlier in June, city officials announced they were changing how and when people can recreate at Aurora Reservoir at 5800 Powhaton Road, including updating hours and banning alcohol.

The new regulations said that, on Saturdays and Sundays, the reservoir’s open hours will temporarily change to 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. That started on June 8. 

Officials said visitors to the reservoir would also see extra security on the weekends to make sure people are recreating safely.

Additionally, alcohol was temporarily prohibited at the reservoir, and preexisting rules about loud music would be “strictly enforced,” officials said. 

On Thursday, Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space spokesperson Sara Van Holbeck told The Denver Gazette that the temporary hour changes and restrictions “helped successfully maintain a family-friendly and enjoyable environment for visitors during the first two weekends they were in effect.”

The new hours and alcohol restriction will “remain in effect and are temporary,” Van Holbeck said, and the city will reevaluate them each week and adjust them “as appropriate.”

When the changes were first made, Parks, Recreation and Open Space Director Brooke Bell said they were being implemented to make the reservoir experience better and help their staff manage the large crowds that come to the area in warmer months.

“Aurora Reservoir is a beautiful and unique space within the city, and one that we want all guests to be able to enjoy,” Bell said in the release.

Van Holbeck said the changes came after a “careful analysis of park usage patterns,” but did not specifically clarify any instances or situations that led to the rule changes.

Removing alcohol from the area helps makes it more family-friendly, Van Holbeck said, and helps reduce “the risk of incidents that can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the park.”

More information about the reservoir’s rules and regulations can be found on it website.